ok - before you assume I'm a hick - I'm 34 year old young at heart active mama who has a whole lot of style, but hasn't had a haircut in closer to 16 years now! I've had dreads for years that I've been growing out for the past 3 years and finally at the point where I have a lot of straight hair and can get a cut. I am pregnant with #3 and feel pretty nervous, but I think it's time for change.
So, I'm nervous about being able to know what's in my best interest. I'm not a Cosmo girl. I don't know salon "talk" of descriptions for cuts. I don't know what to wear! Should i wear a t-shirt to have head access easy or does it not matter - or might I freeze? Should I bring a shirt to change into at the end, b/c of loose scratchy hairs? Should I do myself up beforehand so that when it's done - I can look inthe mirror and think - looks good? or is that silly when hair is getting washed and stuff?
What's standard tipping practice?
Is this even a good idea? I'm 4 months pregnant and feeling unattractive. Is this ballsy or should I run with it??
Is it ok to get highlighting? (something I've never done, but I think might help)
anything else I should know or words of wisdom?
thank you so much.
ok - somehow this question posted several times, but I got such wonderful support - I just wanted to thank you all! It ended up being a wonderful experience and all and all - i feel great :)
I did wear make up - haha - and i ended up tipping like 75% because it was a 3 hour cut at their flat (reasonable) fee.
Thank you for the encouragement - I honestly don't know if I could have done it without it!
Wear something comfortable,
Enjoy the pampering.
My biggest suggestion is not to make a huge drastic change all at once, go slowly and in stages
lastly, I tip 20%
Enjoy!
My advice would be:
Wear whatever you want -salons have you leave your shirt in a changing room and you wear a wrap they provide. It's usually black. Don't worry if you are already showing -they'll have one that fits!
If you normally wear makeup -wear that. I wouldn't go overboard or put on my "night out" makeup unless you are headed out immediately after. If you don't wear makeup -don't worry about it.
Tip at least 15%. If they do a good job, you like it, they listen and made it a good experience -tip 20% -especially if you anticipate returning to them.
YES -it's a great idea to go and get a hair cut and make yourself feel better! However, I won't argue with the standard practice that says, "Don't get your hair cut super short while pregnant." Unless you've been pregnant before and you know that you're only going to gain weight in your tummy while your face stays nice and thin -you'll probably wind up sad that you did it! You can always get super-short afterward if you want! You should find some photos in magazines of the types of hair styles you like. Tell the person you're not high-maintenance and you're not going to take the time to perform intricate blow outs with hair products and whatnot unless you want to do that. Let them know you're strictly a wash and dry girl (I am too). A nice, medium length -shoulders a bit above the shoulders -bias cut -a little shorter in back and angled on the sides -looks good on almost everyone. Only you know if you're good with bangs. I look far better with them, but some people look far better with their hair all one length. Just talk to the stylist!
Yes -it's fine to get highlighting! You may want to request "low lights" so you don't come out feeling like it's streaky since you've never done it. Low lights will perk up your color and give you some depth but not be too obvious.
Relax and enjoy it! If the stylist starts talking about something you're not familiar with -tell him/her and ask for a picture. They won't think you're a hick! Tell them you've had dreds for years, so you haven't been dealing with this!
Hi Magreen
The first thought that comes to mind is to make sure you get a cut to suit your personality,
The fact that you had dreads says to me that you are a very natural person with an edgy,quirky side to you.
I would advise to keep some of the length,just get all those ends cut off and maybe some layers at the front with some sunkissed highlights through it.
You won't need to bring a change of top as they will put a robe on.
Go for it,I was the same as you and didn't go to the hairdressers but now I love it.In fact I am going this week. Bring a magazine ,chill out and enjoy but again ensure that you keep your unique style .
Good luck
B.
Maybe, just cut off the grown out dreads.
And have it shaped. TELL the Stylist how long/short you want your hair.
Since this is the first time you are going to a salon in a long time.... don't do anything drastic. Just cut the ends, shape it nicely and leave your hair its natural way.
Just neatening up, your hair shape and cut off any split ends etc.
Just t-shirt and jeans.
They have smocks for you to wear over your clothes.
you won't get hair all in your clothing.
They will wash your hair then cut.
Tipping is usually 20%.
Tell them you want something natural, not a cut that will require lots of styling/gel/mouse to make it nice.
Per your profile photo, you can get away with just a cut that will neaten up your hair or cutting off the dreads. You look fine to me already.
:)
Wear what's comfortable!
They will shampoo you. Tip 15%-20% of the total service bill and float the shampoo girl a few bucks.
It's a good idea to take some photos with you of cuts you like. It's OK it it's a few pictures: these bangs, this length, etc.
You really can't go wrong to start with a long bob--with or without bangs. That will allow you to see how you like taking care of non-dread hair and then you can go shorter next time if you want.....
Talk to the stylist about getting hilights while pregnant. I did but many women prefer to wait.
Have fun & GET PAMPERED!
find a pic of what you want, they have plenty there to look through, they might even have computer programs to show you what it will look like., wear what you want, pay attention to how they style it., i usually tip standard, 15 to 20% getting it done for a boost is an awesome idea.
highlighting while preggs is perfectly safe. i dont think changing the shirt will matter, its the little hairs on the neck that are bothersome
Definitely take a picture of what you like-that is if there is something that you have in mind. Before you cut your stylist should have a consult with you to talk about what to do. You should talk about your lifestyle, how much time you have each day to do your hair, look at face shape and hair texture. From all this she should be able to help you decide what to do.
I always tip 20% at the salon. If a different girl shampoos you then you tip her also-$2-$3 is good.
You should discuss color and highlighting but maybe wait until another visit to do.
I am a stylist...First off, RELAX!! Enjoy yourself and just let it be "you" time.
You can wear whatever you want! You can do yourself up or not, your call. But of course if you did do your makeup then you could see the whole look. Or depending on where your going some salons will do a makeup touchup after.
Tipping I would say 20%.
As far as being pregnant, go ahead and get highlights, they dont touch your scalp so you have nothing to worry about! And who cares if your preggos, you want to feel good and look good! Go pamper yourself and get an amazing cut!!
Good luck to you!!!
take a shower before you go, and dress as if you're going to the mall, meaning comfortable. if you can, get a magazine and go through see if you like a style. if you get a photo of a style you like, show it to the hairdresser. not sure about coloring when 4 months pregnant. ask your ob. might be ok just ask your ob. lastly, when you are told how much for services, add 20 per cent cash and hand it to the hairdresser. i usually give 5 dollars to the girls who washed my hair too. and enjoy darling.
